|
Dear Neighbors,
We’re a month into the 2019 legislative session, and so far the winter weather hasn’t stopped the Minnesota House from moving right along. With new legislation, floor votes, committee hearings and more, there’s plenty of work and activity to keep us busy here. I have also been enjoying meeting with constituents from all over our district - see pictures below!
North Mankato turns 120 years old!
Did you catch the article in the Sunday edition of the Mankato Free Press? Here’s a photo from the Wheeler Brickyard, long before it became a city park.
Legislative Water Commission
In addition to the committees I serve on, it’s an honor to announce that I have been appointed to the Legislative Water Commission. The Legislative Water Commission was established to review water policy reports and recommendations from numerous state agencies. We will be meeting periodically throughout my term. You can learn more about it here.
Greater Minnesota Child Care Shortage
With the average yearly cost of childcare the same as college tuition, something needs to be done to address the child care shortage in Greater Minnesota. My bill, HF 422, would provide $3 million in resources for training and child care opportunities for kids across our state. This money would support child care providers, enable folks to start new businesses, and work as a test pilot to see how these resources can help to solve this crisis in our communities.
The first stop for this bill will be the Job and Economic Finance Division. You can watch the interview I did with House Public Information Services on this piece of legislation here.
100% Clean Energy
There was plenty of buzz in the Capitol hallways last week from fellow Minnesotans advocating for our state to become a leader in the nation to addressing climate change. We are proud to live somewhere that experiences all four seasons, even if that means spending a little extra time shoveling in winter months, but our weather is becoming more extreme, and we are starting to experience irreversible damage to our state’s environment.
This is why I believe it is so important to advocate for bills such as HF 700. The bill was heard for the first time last week, and it is starting to move through the committee process. If passed, it would increase the proportion of energy that must come from renewable sources and set target dates for when these goals need to be achieved by power companies. Minnesota is blessed with many renewable resources, and investing in them would create jobs while also addressing climate change.
Rep. Brand, Dr. Gregg Marg, and Professor Fred Slocum during MNSCU Day
Members of CTUL including constituent Kerem Munoz testified about wage theft
Blue Earth County Commissioners Colleen Landkamer, Vance Stuehrenberg, Ryan Thilges and Rep. Brand during Transportation Alliance Day
Town Halls
Mark your calendars for my upcoming Town Halls! I believe government is at its best when it’s collaborative and engaging, and I want to hear from you. My first two Town Halls are scheduled for the same day, Saturday, February 23. We'll be joined by Sen. Nick Frentz and Rep. Jack Considine. I hope to see you there!
Mankato Town Hall
9:30am - 11am
Intergovernmental Center, Mankato Room
Saint Peter Town Hall
11:30am - 1pm
St. Peter Community Center, Room 219
Regardless of whether or not you’re able to make it to these events, you can always contact me at the Minnesota House. The best way to reach me is at rep.jeff.brand@house.mn, or at (651) 296-8634.
Your partner in Saint Paul,
Jeff Brand
State Representative, District 19A |